Verstappen speaks up for Latifi: 'He should ignore it'

With Mercedes officially withdrawing their protests over the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix nothing can stop Max Verstappen from winning his first world title. Red Bull Racing already expected this and the Dutchman was welcomed at the factory in Milton Keynes.

Verstappen already felt like world champion

Verstappen visited the Red Bull factory to celebrate the championship with all employees. During a digital press moment with The Telegraph, Verstappen said it was great to see all the people at the factory, and that he was extremely happy to be part of this team. The Dutchman sees the world title as a real team effort.

At the time of his visit to the factory it was not yet officially known that Mercedes would not appeal, but for Verstappen that didn't matter much. He felt like a world champion anyway, no matter what Mercedes would try. Verstappen also received congratulations from Wolff on Sunday night. "He sent me a message at about two or three o'clock. Maybe he had just finished crowdsurfing then, haha." Verstappen is referring to the images of a crowdsurfing Wolff in a club in Abu Dhabi.

Support for Latifi

Verstappen had luck on his side in Abu Dhabi with the safety car caused by a crash by Nicholas Latifi at the end of the race. Latifi thus became the centre of controversy surrounding the final race and even received hate messages on social media. "If he's smart he'll turn his phone off and ignore that," Verstappen takes issue with him. He hopes Latifi can enjoy his holiday and come back stronger next year.